At NCG, we’re don't just prepare students for exams, we prepare them for life. As part of the #NCGGuarantee, sponsored by @City & Guilds, we’ve partnered with @Loud Speaker to deliver dynamic public speaking workshops that equip our students with the confidence and communication skills they need to thrive in any environment. These high energy, super fun interactive workshops enable our students to 👉 Develop confidence in expressing their ideas 👉 Present with authority in professional settings 👉 Enhance communication skills for interviews and beyond Hear directly from our students about how these workshops have transformed their confidence, and meet the guys behind Loud Speaker who make it all possible.

Our commitment to social mobility was recognised this week with an award win for our NCG Guarantee. The Breaking Down Barriers Awards 2025, which were held at the Houses of Parliament, are ran by the Purpose Coalition and recognise social mobility champions who are delivering opportunities for everyone, everywhere. 15 awards were up for grabs, with each category aligned to one of the Coalition’s ‘Purpose Goals’, which set out the core barriers to opportunity and encompass a broad range of societal and economic issues. NCG, which was shortlisted in two categories, was named the winner in the ‘Positive Destinations for Post 16+’ category, for the positive impact it has on thousands of learners through the NCG Guarantee and supporting students from deprived communities to gain essential employability and life skills. In the photo below (l-r) Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Education Secretary, Rt Hon Justine Greening who presented the awards, Lewisham Vice Principal Kieren McIntosh, Kidderminster College Tutorial Coordinator Tammy Randle, Digital Learning Manager Darrell Muir, Chair of the Breaking Down Barriers Commission and former member of Sir Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet, Nick Forbes CBE, and NCG Vice Principal Tony Lewin.

Did you know that the proposed cut to the Adult Skills Fund could result in 400 fewer people in Lewisham accessing education through @Lewisham College? Principal @Jamie Stevenson talks about the important work that Lewisham College and all of NCG's colleges do to support our local communities and what the real impact of cutting the Adult Skills Fund will be. #CollegesWeek2025 #LoveOurColleges

Did you know that NCG’s leading work in AI has featured in a brand-new book about AI in further education? “Hello Future” includes case studies and examples of best practice from AI experts across the FE sector, including NCG’s Head of Learning Technology, Rob Wraith. Rob authored a chapter focusing on "AI-Driven Curriculum Development and Adaptive Learning Pathways", talking about how AI can have significant benefits for educators, if carefully considered and implemented. Read more: https://lnkd.in/edmSbGsY

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Last week Principal, Jon R. joined fellow education leaders and business representatives at the NETPark Impact Event - hosted as part of The Northern Echo's Impact campaign for jobs and investment - to speak openly and honestly about skills shortages, industry needs, and how education can adapt to meet future workforce demands. Our key takeaway? Working together is key! Education and industry need to be in sync to make sure students are learning the skills employers really need. Colleges, businesses, and policymakers all play a part in tackling skills shortages, and the best way forward is working together. We look forward to continuing to work together to drive skills, innovation, and investment in the North East. https://orlo.uk/BFoUW

Good luck to the Newcastle College colleagues and students taking on the mammoth #CoastToCoast ride for charity in May. The team has been riding in all weathers to prepare for this event, so please donate if you can! (Link in bio). All funds raised will go towards enhancing the impact of the annual Bambisanani Project trip to South Africa.

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Our Industry Advisory Board meetings are crucial for ensuring that we are providing our learners with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers. Last week was the turn of the Digital and Creative Industries (DCI) Advisory Board. In this quarterly meeting, our DCI colleagues shared faculty updates with - and heard industry insights from - local employers including James Hanson Layers Studio, Thea Scott CyberNorth, and Sian Wilson Day One. DCI Director of Faculty Veronica Spowart said: "A real highlight was our Topic Talks session, where members explored the barriers students face when transitioning into the workplace and the challenges industry encounters when working with colleges. "The insights shared were invaluable, and we’re excited to collaborate on solutions." If you think you could add to the conversation and would like to join the advisory board, please email libby.lagun@ncl-coll.ac.uk

We had the incredible Jenny Barber, Director of Talent at @investment2020 join us for a talk on "Exploring Careers in Investment" with our learners 🎓🌐 Jenny shared insights into the world of investment banking, highlighting the growing demand for digital skills in the labour market. She also talked about the opportunities within the sector, apprenticeships, and the importance of using AI to enhance productivity and client service. Read more apprenticeship tips from Jenny in the article on our website via the link in bio. #CareerTips #InvestmentCareers #Apprenticeships #DigitalSkills #LewishamCollege #FutureProfessionals #Networking #CareerAdvice #Investment2020 #NAW2025

We're still riding high from yesterday's NCG Skills Competition! A huge thank you to everyone who made the day such a success. We’re especially grateful to our sponsors and judges for their incredible support, and of course for providing the incredible prizes for our winning students #NCGSkills @NOCN Group @Graham Hasting-Evans @Lisa Hibbard @Julian Harrison @Peter Walters MBE @OneAdvanced @Mark Dewell @Ann Ramsay @Marcus Topley @Cameron Ross @Construction EPA Company ® @Wella UK @Robert Rousseau @Lindsay Gaskill @Eden Arts

@Sarah McGrath, Principal of @Carlisle College shares her excitement for being the host of this year’s NCG Skills Competition, welcoming talented students from across the UK and showcasing the fantastic facilities on offer at the college. Not long to go until we crown our winners! #NCGSkills #SkillsCompetitions

This time last week, pupils from schools across Cumbria were enjoying a dining experience at @Carlisle College The event was organised by @Cumbria Tourism for local school pupils interested in hospitality to see what they could be doing if they went into a career in Hospitality and Catering. The students also received talks about personal career development and career aspirations. As part of the afternoon the pupils were treated to a delicious 3 course meal cooked by Hrishikesh Desai of @Farlam Hall Hotel and Restaurant and our Michelin-trained tutor Scott Price, with support from Carlisle College's professional cookery students. The front-of-house student team was led by acclaimed local chef and tutor James Hill. #OneNCG